Brum Bulletin: Looking for things to do outside your study?

Spoiler alert! Here's a taster of what's inside:

  • Browse our diverse Disability History Month programme.
  • "It's time!" - save the date for Christmas on Campus.
  • Last chance to enter the Santander £1,000 giveaway.
  • Two surveys, two opportunities to feedback and you could win big.
  • Where to start with getting careers support.
  • Tarisai blogs on her journey to UoB and meet the students taking on Movember.
  • Final opportunity to get a free cinema experience at Mockingbird.

The latest news (what you should know) 

Christmas is coming to UoB

It might seem early but we're already in the festive spirit. We’re kicking off the season with our annual Christmas on Campus on Wednesday 2 December. Watch this space for updates...

Did someone say a magic show on campus?

Disability History Month begins next week and we've got a packed programme of events and opportunities. From a magic show to inclusive sport, join us and let's strive for a more inclusive community.

Entered the 1k giveaway yet? There's still time

Student life can be expensive and that’s why we’re pleased to partner up with Santander to offer ten lucky UoB students the chance to win one £1,000 prize each to spend on rent, bills, groceries, study resources or anything else you need. 

Student Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week

From 16 - 20 November, we're encouraging students to openly talk about drug and alcohol use, challenge misconceptions, feeling safe to reach out for support without any judgement. The survey goes live on the 16 November.

What do you honestly think about UoB?

The WhatUni survey takes just a few minutes to complete and allows you to make your voice heard. Not only will your feedback help future university students choosing a place to study, but you could win one of three £50 Amazon gift cards.

Tarisai's journey to Birmingham

From Dubai to Birmingham, Tarisai's journey has been one of creativity, self-discovery and connection. Find out how she found her people, grew in confidence and learned to take up space as a storyteller.

Meet the students taking on Movember

Movember is a global men's health awareness movement held every November. We caught up with two students to hear why they're supporting the cause and why conversations around men's mental health matter.

Looking for careers support? We're here to help

Find us in The View, Green Heart Forum to help you learn about the support available, explore our digital resources and meet the experts at our regular support drop-ins.

Dates for your diary (things to do)

Quiz Night at Lapworth
Today, 19:00-21:00
Lapworth Museum of Geology

Join us for a quiz night at Lapworth. Questions range from general knowledge and geography to music and movies. Tickets are £3.99 per person, up to 6 people per team.

Housemate Finder
From Thursday 12 November, 16:30-19:30
Social Hub, Oakbrook Park

Meet other students who are looking to move into a property together for the upcoming academic year. Guild Wellbeing assistants will be there to prompt conversations, helping you find your dream housemates!

Ha-ha-Happiness Night
Friday 13 November, 19:00-21:00
Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building

Three brilliant comedians with strong West Midlands connections join us for a special one-off event exploring one of happiness's simplest ingredients: having a good laugh. Student tickets cost £2.50.

The Pitch Challenge
Tuesday 17 November, 13:30-14:30
Room 108, University House

Have a great idea but not sure how to pitch it or protect it? Join B-Enterprising and gain practical skills to take your ideas further. earn how to grab attention, deliver a compelling pitch and confidently present your ideas to different audiences.

Kirtan on Campus
Wednesday 18 November, 16:00-19:00
Oak room, Multifaith Chaplaincy

Join the Sikh Society for an evening of Kirtan, singing the praises of Vaheguru Ji. Performed by our students, this free event has been described as one of the most memorable evenings of the year. There will also be an art and book display, followed by langar.

Transgender Day of Remembrance
Friday 20 November, 12:00-13:00
Oasis Lounge, Multifaith Chaplaincy

The Multifaith Chaplaincy and the Rainbow Network host this annual service to honour the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence in the past year.

Artisan Market
Tuesday 24 November, 10:00-16:00
University Square

Find tasty food, handmade gifts, and more as the bustling Artisan Market comes to campus!

Thinking of your next steps at UoB?

Considering a Masters or PhD? Join us on campus on Saturday 14 November to hear first-hand from our staff, students, and support services about continuing your studies at Birmingham.

PGR Corner

Write for the PGR Development Blog

The PGR Development Blog is an opportunity to share insights, experiences, and advice with fellow researchers. Whether you have overcome a challenge, learned an important lesson, or discovered something that could help others, your perspective could make a real difference. Consider contributing and helping to support the wider PGR community.

B-Enterprising: build skills that make you stand out

B-Enterprising offers engaging workshops to help PGRs turn ideas into action. Gain practical experience in idea development and pitching, while building skills valued by employers across sectors. Whether your interests lie in research, enterprise, or future career opportunities, there is something valuable to discover and explore.

Your PGR Space at Westmere House

Westmere House is a bookable, dedicated space for Birmingham PGRs and research staff. Whether you need a quiet place to study, a room for research meetings, or somewhere to host PGR events and connect with fellow researchers, Westmere House is open Monday-Sunday 6:00-22:00 and available for bookings.

Inside Talking Space

University can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. Join Guild Welfare & Community Officer Sumpa and student Amelya as they visit TalkingSpace@UoB to find out what you can expect from our wellbeing drop-in service.

Wowzers: you've unlocked a freebie!

Shoutout to Ardis who bagged an Old Joe plushie in our last giveaway

Last chance: Win your next cinema trip!

Five lucky students can win a pair of tickets to any screening of your choice at Mockingbird Cinema! Did you know that their standard membership gives you £1 off future bookings and 10% off concessions for up to a year?

Final chance to enter.

And finally (any other random bits) 

Lime bikes are now available

Lime bikes are now available to use on campus, but please remember that e-scooters are not permitted on central campus. To use a bike, you'll need to have the Lime app and must follow Lime’s rules to ride and park. Frequent users should take advantage of Lime Access which offers discounted rides with their UoB or NUS card and relevant ID. Full details are on Lime’s website.

New facilities for stoma bag users

Everyone should feel comfortable and supported while studying, visiting or working on campus. Stoma bag disposal facilities are now available in nine accessible toilets across campus.

Final chance to unleash your inner artist

Conferences and Events is offering a student the opportunity to have their original artwork framed and hung in their conference spaces in Green Heart Forum for years to come (and there are £50 and £30 vouchers to win too). The theme is ‘Authentically Birmingham’ and it's a great opportunity to celebrate our beautiful, creative, bustling city in paint, collage, pencil or any 2-D medium you like. Deadline is Sunday 15 November. Enter the competition.

If you have any suggestions for the student newsletter please email: studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

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